Tori Fixx, aka DJ Naughty Boyy, has had experiences ranging from being Prince's personal DJ to touring and spinning throughout the United States; he's currently pulling triple duty as producer, DJ and recording artist. He'd be more well-known nationally had he taken higher profile DJ gigs in San Francisco, but he chose to come back to Minneapolis because the city's centrally located, making travel easier and since the cost of living is less here than in New York or California, it enables him to invest more in his music.
Tori sat down with Rift and answered our questions about his music and the movie, "Pick Up The Mic."
Are you happy with the way the movie "Pick Up The Mic" turned out?
The entire "Pick Up The Mic" experience was amazing from the three years during which it was filmed, up until all of the film festivals happening now. I am so pleased with the way the film turned out and more so, how people are receiving it – I've been told time and time again how 'moving' the film is, plus it's been showing worldwide, so that tells me there's something about the film that people connect with. I had no idea it would be so well received and I couldn't be happier about it.
You don't call yourself a gay rapper/DJ on your Web site and Myspace page, nor do your songs directly convey that message. Is this a conscious choice so people can hear your music before labeling you or the music?
Exactly. I never wanted to present myself as anything more than an artist/entertainer – not a black artist, gay artist or hip-hop artist. I don't believe in labels of any kind and I don't live my life that way. My goal has always been to create the best work possible, tell my stories and share my experiences from my point of view and still 'keep it real,' as they say so frequently in hip-hop music. Yes, I happen to be a same gender loving person, but there's so much more to me than that. I don't run around screaming "I'm gay" in my everyday life, but it's not a hidden fact, either, and that's how I chose to present my music and image. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I'm against those who are open with their sexuality; I support any artist who's true to themselves and their hearts
In general, how do feel about the music scene in the Twin Cities and how you fit in musically?
I've paid attention to the local music scene ever since I was a kid. There are, and always have been, so many incredible musicians and artists here – and a lot more than just the whole Prince/Time movement. There's talent all over the place and that's always inspired me to be the best I can be, at whatever I choose to do. I tell people all the time if you're searching for the hottest singers or musicians, come to Minneapolis. Now, as for how I fit into the whole thing ... I'm really just starting to break out as a performance artist locally and that's because of the faith and support of some amazing local performers who keep 'pushing' me onto stages. Before that, I'd been a producer for years for many local up and coming artists - I'm the behind-the-scenes man and have been longer than anything else, not to mention I'm a DJ as well. Being a producer/remixer/DJ is more me than being an artist. I love being in the studio too much and that's been my greatest contribution to the Twin Cities music scene.
It sounds like you have a day job, in addition to the traveling and performing you do. Do you think you're close to making a career in music?
I feel like I'm getting closer and closer with each completed project, but it'll still be awhile before I make a living off my music. It seems life is making me take "baby steps" to get me to my ultimate life of music. For now, I'm okay with having a steady paycheck and health insurance; I'm not ready to trade that in until I know music is going to offer me those things and more.
Which has more meaning for you: The activism or the music? Or are they both equally important?
They're both equally important, but for me, the music will always come first. Luckily, the type of music I do tends to lead me into an activism all on its own. I never set out to do that, but once you start singing about subjects other than a party or love, and voice your opinion on deeper issues more than once, you automatically get thrown into some sort of activist pool, then there's no turning back.
www.torifixx.com
www.myspace.com/torifixx
|
